15th Anniversary of the NSW Government Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants

Thursday 19 September marks the 15th Anniversary of the Apology by the NSW Government to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants.

On 19 September 2009, then NSW Premier, Nathan Rees apologised to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. The Premier and Community Services Minister, Linda Burney, unveiled a memorial in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney to commemorate the Apology.

The Apology came after the Report of the Senate Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care (pre 1990) was handed down in 2004. The Inquiry and Report highlighted the complete failure of the child protection system to keep children safe from harm, finding that in fact the majority of children in the system were subjected to severe abuse, neglect, maltreatment and cruelty.

The State Government apologised for the significant role it played in placing these children in harm’s way.

Commemorating the Apology is an important opportunity to bring awareness to this part of the State’s history, which is sadly still very unknown and misunderstood by the wider community. The history of Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants should be known and understood by everyone. But in addition, the lasting impacts many of them endure from the trauma they experienced in childhood also need to be recognised and understood widely, to enable greater access for Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants to safe, appropriate and helpful support, care and services.

We honour and acknowledge Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. We have great respect for their courage, survival, and endurance, as well as their persistant and purposeful advocacy for recognition and justice.